Henotheism differs from ''[[polytheism]]'', however, in that the latter generally involves active worship of multiple gods, whereas the former may involve a somewhat [[agnostic]] stance on whether the other gods are worthy of worship.

Henotheism differs from ''[[polytheism]]'', however, in that the latter generally involves active worship of multiple gods, whereas the former may involve a somewhat [[agnostic]] stance on whether the other gods are worthy of worship.

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Henotheism also differs from ''[[monolatry]]'', the worship of one god among others who are not considered worthy of worship.

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Henotheism also differs from ''[[Monolatrism]]'', the worship of one god among others who are not considered worthy of worship.

==Henotheism in Christianity==

==Henotheism in Christianity==

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Chistianity itself is sometimes presented (by scholars) as a henotheistic system in that it exhalts "the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" (or Ghost); see [[Trinity]]. The [[Catholic]] notion of [[saint]]s can also be seen as somewhat henotheistic.

Chistianity itself is sometimes presented (by scholars) as a henotheistic system in that it exhalts "the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" (or Ghost); see [[Trinity]]. The [[Catholic]] notion of [[saint]]s can also be seen as somewhat henotheistic.

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==See also==

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* [[Polytheism]]

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* [[Pantheon]]

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* [[Religion]]

[[Category:Religion]]

[[Category:Religion]]

[[Category:Christianity]]

[[Category:Christianity]]

Revision as of 06:39, 22 June 2008

Henotheism refers to the worship of a single god while accepting the existence of multiple gods, some of which may also be worthy of worship. In fact, the god chosen for worship may actually change depending on the circumstances.

Henotheism differs from polytheism, however, in that the latter generally involves active worship of multiple gods, whereas the former may involve a somewhat agnostic stance on whether the other gods are worthy of worship.

Henotheism also differs from Monolatrism, the worship of one god among others who are not considered worthy of worship.

Henotheism in Christianity

Some scholars believe that the Old Testament contains examples of henotheism that have been mistranslated or misinterpreted to combine multiple gods into a single God (see also Wikipedia:Names of God in Judaism), and to remove or obscure the divine status of other gods.

Chistianity itself is sometimes presented (by scholars) as a henotheistic system in that it exhalts "the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" (or Ghost); see Trinity. The Catholic notion of saints can also be seen as somewhat henotheistic.